LAPD sergeant accused of fatal drunk hit and run 'googled crash instead of reporting it'
Carlos Gonzalo Coronel, 40, struck Imanol Salvador Gonzalez, 19, with his pickup truck in Tustin, California, on February 1 after a night of drinking, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
The off-duty sergeant had allegedly been drinking with his brother-in-law before getting behind the wheel of his black Chevrolet Silverado and heading to his girlfriend's home, prosecutors said.
That's when he allegedly struck Gonzalez, who was walking along Nisson Road near Del Amo Avenue, and left him to die in the street.
Prosecutors say Coronel never stopped, never called 911, and instead continued on to his girlfriend's house.
He even allegedly told his girlfriend to avoid the street where the crash occurred as she drove him back to his home in Buena Park.
'In the hours after Gonzalez was killed, Coronel is also accused of searching the Internet to see if there had been a fatal hit and run in Tustin,' the Orange County DA said in release.
He has been charged with felony counts of DUI causing great bodily injury, hit and run with permanent injury or death, and a felony enhancement for causing great bodily injury.
Coronel faces a maximum sentence of six years and eight months in prison.
Bystanders had discovered Gonzalez's body and contacted police.
'Our law enforcement officers are entrusted with the highest level of public trust, and it is unconscionable that an officer who swore an oath to protect and serve would leave a man to die in the street after hitting him while driving under the influence of alcohol,' said District Attorney Todd Spitzer.
'Imanol was loved by his family, and he did not deserve to have his story end lying in the middle of a dark Tustin street alone while the police officer who hit him drove away because his self-preservation was more important than a human life.'
LAPD officials told KTLA that the department 'is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.'
'We do not tolerate misconduct of any kind, and any violations of department policies or the public trust are taken seriously,' a statement read.
'All allegations of officer misconduct are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action is taken to ensure accountability. Our commitment is to serve and protect the community with fairness, respect, and transparency.'
A GoFundMe has been created by a friend of the victim's mom to help raise money for his funeral expenses.
It had raised more than $8,500 as of Thursday afternoon.
'His life was tragically cut short at the tender age of 19 years old by a hit-and-run vehicle,' the fundraising page read.
'His family is devastated and is going through a lot of financial and emotional hardship.
'All donations will be greatly appreciated and are going towards funeral expenses. Thank you and God bless you on behalf of Imanol's family and myself.'
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